The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to at least 164, while 971 people have been injured, according to interim president Delcy Rodriguez.
Rodriguez disclosed the updated figures on Thursday, adding that authorities have recorded approximately 30 aftershocks since the two major earthquakes struck on Wednesday.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from the initial reports, which indicated that 32 people had died and more than 700 others were injured.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck the same region within seconds of each other.
The powerful tremors caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of several buildings in the capital, Caracas, and led to the temporary closure of the country’s main airport.
Trump Pledges U.S. Support
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the victims and pledged assistance to Venezuela.
He wrote on Truth Social:
“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths.”
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly.”
Rescue Efforts Continue
In Caracas, rescue teams and volunteers have continued searching through rubble for survivors.
An AFP journalist reported seeing a 22-storey building completely destroyed in the Altamira district of the capital. Family members and residents gathered around the site, calling out the names of missing loved ones while volunteers searched through the debris.
“We need flashlights,” one volunteer was heard saying during the rescue effort.
The USGS said the first earthquake struck at 2204 GMT, with its epicentre located about 21 kilometres (13 miles) west of the coastal town of Moron.
Just 39 seconds later, a second and stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude hit roughly 45 kilometres away.
The agency explained:
“This earthquake was the second event in a doublet. This magnitude 7.5 mainshock was preceded by 39 seconds by a 7.2 foreshock.”
Emergency officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage as rescue and recovery operations remain underway across the country.
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